Counseling

NOVA is committed to helping victims of crime better understand the trauma which they have experienced, discover the tools to cope and move forward with healing. A range of counseling services are available to victims and the significant people in their lives.

Recognizing that the experience of trauma affects a person’s sense of safety and well-being, NOVA counseling services are provided to support an individual and their family as well as to empower clients in their effort to regain control over their lives. NOVA staff will work with an individual, perform an assessment of symptoms and needs and identify the type of counseling service best suited for their distinct needs.

NOVA provides private short-term counseling to help victims and the primary people in their lives. The duration of counseling typically lasts between 12 to 15 sessions, over the course of three or four months.

Our counselors specialize in techniques to minimize the negative effects of abuse and victimization. Referrals are provided for those who wish to continue therapy beyond short-term intervention.

NOVA offers support groups to help assist individuals who have experienced issues of victimization by providing a safe place to share thoughts and feelings. Group participation can aid clients with additional insight, interaction and support as they begin to take control of their lives.

NOVA’s support groups are confidential, time-limited and facilitated by a NOVA counselor.

Parent Support groups – for caregivers of children who have been sexually abused

NOVA also provides support groups on an as-needed basis, including homicide groups and groups for survivors who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as male sexual assault survivor support groups. Groups begin meeting when a sufficient number of participants are confirmed.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or TF-CBT is an evidence-based practice for children under the age of 18. This type of therapy provides children with information about the trauma they have experienced as it teaches them emotion regulation and anxiety management skills. This form of therapy allows them to process their experience of trauma in a safe and supportive way. TF-CBT is a short-term treatment protocol that also involves the child’s caregiver(s). This program also supports the child’s family by providing the child’s caregivers and siblings skills to help them cope with the child’s trauma in a way to create the best environment for the child to heal. This service can be offered in multiple settings.

The Restoring Families Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based program that works with children who are identified to have problematic sexual behaviors. Children ages 7-14 and their caregivers work through a group curriculum to address inappropriate impulses and actions.

Not all children have the transportation options needed to receive services. While working in tandem with a caregiver at home or in an office setting is considered best practice, mobile counseling in area schools is an option to provide counseling services to children. Please call the NOVA hotline and speak to a counselor to determine if you or your child qualify for Mobile School Counseling services.

Research has shown that yoga is an effective intervention for healing from trauma as it increases a person’s feeling of safety in their body. Participants of Trauma Informed Yoga learn how to take healthy control of their bodies by utilizing the four key elements of Trauma Informed Yoga; experiencing in the present moment, taking effective action, making choices, and creating rhythms in their body. In Trauma Informed Yoga, no level of yoga experience is required. Participants can remain seated in a chair the whole time if so desired. Many options are available on individual preferences of participation. NOVA runs four levels of Trauma Processing Yoga groups with each previous level being a prerequisite for the next.

Some of NOVA’s clinicians are trained in EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is an evidence-based practice that allows a person to work through previously unprocessed trauma using bilateral stimulation of the brain through eye movements, tapping, or sounds. The EMDR protocol allows the victim’s brain to complete the processing of difficult memories. See the following article for more information: http://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. At your intake appointment you can discuss with your counselor whether EMDR may be right for you.